Understanding UCF Honor Cords Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide
Graduation from the University of Central Florida (UCF) is a momentous occasion, marked by traditions and symbols that recognize academic achievements. Among these symbols, honor cords hold a special significance, representing outstanding academic performance. This article provides a comprehensive overview of UCF's honor cords requirements, commencement ceremony details, and other essential information for graduating students.
Commencement Ceremony Essentials
Arrival and Venue
Graduates will converge at the Addition Financial Arena, ready to embark on this significant milestone. The arena is located at 12777 Gemini Blvd N., Orlando FL, 32816, on the main UCF campus. Graduates arrive at the Addition Financial Arena. Graduates arrive at the Addition Financial Arena. Graduates arrive at the Addition Financial Arena.
Guest Information and Tickets
Each graduate is permitted to invite up to ten (10) guests to the commencement ceremony inside the arena. Tickets are mandatory for admittance to the Addition Financial Arena for adults, children, and infants alike. For Fall 2025 Commencement, each graduate will receive at least four (4) commencement tickets for their ceremony. Graduation announcements cannot be used for admission. Graduates do not need to register for or order their commencement ceremony tickets. All graduates who have filed an intent to graduate on time and place a regalia order on time will automatically receive their ceremony tickets during the designated dates/times established for guest ticket and reader card pick up. Guest tickets must be picked up along with reader cards by each graduate at the main campus by the dates specified below.
Alternative Viewing Options
For guests without tickets, the ceremony will be broadcast live via a simulcast viewing in the FAIRWINDS Alumni Center and the Student Union. Seating at the Alumni Center is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Ticket Pick-Up
Tickets are picked up during ticket-pickup week at the FAIRWINDS Alumni Center located near the Addition Financial Arena on the main campus. UCF Online Students pick up guest tickets at the FAIRWINDS Alumni Center located near the Addition Financial Arena on the main campus. A photo identification is required for pick up. Graduates unable to pick up their guest tickets may designate a third party to do so by providing them with a letter authorizing UCF to release the tickets during ticket-pickup week. Letters must include the name of the designated pick-up person, along with the graduate’s full name, UCF ID, college of major and their signature on the letter. There will be no ticket lottery offered for additional tickets for graduates. Any forfeited tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Addition Financial Arena Box Office two hours prior to each individual commencement ceremony. Guests will need to provide a photo ID, as well as their graduate’s name.
Read also: College Honor Cord Guide
Regalia and Attire
Regalia is not required to participate. Graduates are encouraged to order their cap and gowns sooner rather than later to allow ample time for your order to be delivered to your home. All rental orders placed after October 31 will be assessed a rush fee. There is a late deadline for regalia on November 7, 2025. Note: Guest tickets and reader cards will only be distributed to graduates with current semester (Fall 2025) regalia rental orders and who filed an approved Intent to Graduate application on time. Availability of sizes for official regalia cannot be guaranteed after November 7th. Bachelor’s and master’s graduates are allowed to keep the cap and tassel ONLY. A late fee of $40.00 will be assessed between Monday, December 15, 2025, and Friday, December 19, 2025, with the return of the gown. Credit cards will be charged full price for any regalia not returned by Monday, December 22, 2025 ($450.00 for bachelor’s, $750.00 for master’s and $1,350.00 for doctoral regalia).
Tassel Placement
The tassel on a graduate’s cap must be their college tassel and not the black and gold souvenir tassel. Baccalaureate degree candidates wear tassels on the right. Graduate degree candidates wear tassels on the left.
Reader Cards
Reader cards are distributed with tickets and parking passes. Graduates have to bring their reader card to the ceremony. Graduates receive their reader card to the ceremony at Graduate Check-In located inside the Addition Financial Arena.
Photography
Get your cameras ready graduates! Strike a pose for portraits at one of the most iconic spots on campus - The Reflecting Pond. Graduates, you’re invited to walk across the commencement stage while loved ones record and photograph this milestone moment in your collegiate career. Your family may take photos and videos during the event. But photos need to be taken from their seats in the arena.
Parking and Accessibility
Complimentary parking is available in Garage D, F and H . Mobility impaired individuals may be dropped off in front of the Addition Financial Arena prior to parking. Graduates and guests may park in Garage D and Garage H. Those with state disability parking permits may park in Garage D. Guests should use the main entrance of the Addition Financial Arena. Guests will need to provide a photo ID, as well as their graduate’s name. To an accessible seating section in the Addition Financial Arena. Reserved seating will be provided at the commencement ceremony. Wheelchairs are not provided.
Read also: Honoring Lt. Collins: The Memorial Scholarship
Prohibited Items
The Addition Financial Arena does not allow backpacks of any kind or bags larger than 12’’ x 6’’ x 12’’ inside the arena. Ensure that you limit those to car keys, cell phone and your reader card. Guests are not allowed to bring signs or posters. There are not seats for baby carriers and diaper bags.
Security and Medical Services
Paramedics will be available onsite throughout each ceremony. Lost and found items may be recovered at the Addition Financial Arena Guest Relations office on the main concourse.
Ceremony Duration
The commencement ceremony should last approximately two hours.
Honor Cords: Recognizing Academic Excellence
Eligibility for Baccalaureate Honors
The University confers baccalaureate honors recognition on students who have completed a minimum of 48 credit hours at UCF. Baccalaureate Honors awarded will be based on the overall cumulative GPA including transfer credit at the start of the term in which they will graduate. Records for the term of graduation are incomplete at the time the Commencement Program is printed.
Purchasing Honor Cords
For students who earn baccalaureate honors, the Honor cords will only be available for purchase at the time of ticket pickup during the designated ticket-pickup week at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore on East Plaza Drive.
Read also: Applying for the Golden Key Scholarship
Honor Society Cords
Honor cords from various honor societies may be worn if they are the designation of an officially recognized group.
Additional Information
Diplomas
Diplomas and certificates are not distributed at the ceremony. Commencement attendees will receive a diploma cover.
Grad Walk
Questions about Grad Walk? Will take place at the UCF Bookstore, John T.
Celebrating Graduation
It’s your day. Plan it. Dress for it. Snap it. Post it. Toast to it. Get your family together and celebrate graduation. your very own. Here are just a few ideas.
tags: #ucf #honor #cords #requirements
